CM Kiran Kumar Reddy plans padayatra in Seemandhra

Hyderabad: Having expressed open resentment over the Congress Working Committee’s decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh to carve out Telangana on several occasion, Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy is now preparing to launch a padayatra in Seemandhra region in favour of Samaikhyandhra.

According to sources, the decision to undertake padayatra in 13 districts of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions was taken during a meeting held by the Chief Minister at his camp office on Sunday night. However, a few ministers and other leaders who attended the meeting were divided on the issue. A majority of Seemandhra ministers supported the proposal stating that padayatra was the effective tool to counter TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and YSRCP leader Shamila’s bus yatra in the Seemandhra region. However, a few senior ministers opposed the proposal.

Finance Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy reportedly advised the Chief Minister to review his decision. Being the Chief Minister of a Congress Government, people think that Kiran Kumar Reddy too was part of the CWC’s decision. Therefore, it would be difficult for him to convince the people that he does not endorse the CWC’s decision, Anam reportedly said. Further, the padayatra would result in open confrontation with the Congress High Command.

However, Kiran Kumar Reddy looks firm on the undertaking padayatra and have asked his colleagues to make arrangements for the same. Further, he reportedly assured his cabinet colleagues from Seemandhra region that he would resign from the post before the Telangana Bill reaches State Legislative Assembly.